Super council or super con?

TDC Labour councillors are concerned about the potential for the latest plans for a super council to diminish both local services and local democracy.

As local councillors we believe we were elected to public office to scrutinise decisions and to represent the views, opinions and concerns of local people in a meaningful way.

The single reason for the imposition of a super council is the need to make savings. Savings that can only be made by cutting vital services to, and representation of, local residents.

Thanet Labour councillors do not agree to more and deeper cuts in our public services. This is Tory ideology - which does nothing to tackle the problems here in Thanet nor does it promote equality and community cohesion.

The Tories preach localism, yet at the same time they slash funding making it inevitable that decisions that affect the hard up residents of Thanet will be taken miles away and by councillors who will have little connection to Thanet. With even less accountability.

The fact that our council is merely putting this scheme out for 'engagement' not consultation is an affront to democracy.

We are certain that this move will decrease services, democracy and representation. We ask for full meaningful consultation with the community of people this top down decision will affect.